Fantasy experts debate Cooper Flagg’s third-round fantasy draft appeal
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ESPN’s fantasy basketball panel weighed the pros and cons of selecting Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg near pick No. 31 during a roundtable published at 6:58 a.m. ET on Sept. 23, 2025. The 18-year-old forward, taken first overall after a standout freshman year at Duke, is generating heavy interest in early drafts.
Supporters see instant production
André Snellings said Flagg’s Las Vegas summer-league performance confirmed his belief that the 6-foot-9 wing can “produce at the NBA level right away.” Snellings highlighted Flagg’s ability to score, create offense and defend, noting that Duke’s star led the Blue Devils in all five major statistical categories last season. With Kyrie Irving sidelined, Snellings views Flagg as a strong Round-3 target.
Jim McCormick is comfortable paying the current price because Flagg’s college defensive numbers—viewed as “sticky” by ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton—should translate into early steals and blocks. McCormick also cited the rookie’s wingspan and playmaking upside on a Mavericks roster “starved for creation.”
Eric Moody called Flagg the “Rookie of the Year favorite” after averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 blocks at Duke. Moody expects a high usage rate in Dallas’ post-Luka Doncic rebuild and believes the newcomer’s all-around game justifies an aggressive draft position.
Steve Alexander projected rookie averages of 22.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.0 block and 1.5 three-pointers. With Irving likely out for the season, Alexander said Flagg’s mid-30s average draft position (ADP) offers “solid value on a third-round selection.”
Temperate voices urge caution
Eric Karabell agrees Flagg will log heavy minutes and finish inside the top-50 fantasy players, but he warns against expecting 20 points or 10 rebounds per night. Karabell added that early ADP figures may be “a bit too high” and predicted some managers will reach in Rounds 2 or 3.
Overall, three of the five analysts—Snellings, Moody and Alexander—endorsed drafting Flagg in the third round, while McCormick focused on defensive upside at that spot and Karabell advised moderate expectations. All five agreed the No. 1 pick is likely the most reliable rookie option for the 2025-26 fantasy season.
Source: ESPN
